ITV

Tag: Hathway

  • Hathway expands role of Shirish Ruparel; Star India’s NM Rao joins as head content & carriage

    Hathway expands role of Shirish Ruparel; Star India’s NM Rao joins as head content & carriage

    MUMBAI: Hathway is restructuring its content vertical by expanding the role of executive vice president- content & VAS Shirish Ruparel, with the growing demands of the business in a move to strengthen its content team and to diversify its revenue streams.

    While expanding Ruparel’s role, Hathway has also taken on-board N.M. Rao as head-content & carriage to handle all-India content and carriage with effect from 4 April, based at their corporate office in Mumbai, and he will report to Shirish Ruparel.

    Ruparel’s portfolio will now include content and carriage, ad sales, OTT service offerings and value added services as Hathway looks to create new revenue streams in the new digitization era. As part of his expanded role, Ruparel would now oversee content and carriage and Ad sales monetization while also develop Hathways’ in-house channel bouquet into a series of strong pan-India and regional channels and improve the content portfolio for in-house and regional channel base by working with leading production and content providers.

    Additionally, he will also be responsible for increasing the value pie of Hathway across new streams such as OTT (Over-the-top TV) services and offers and diversify the business into segments such as VAS (value-added services) including VOD (video-on demand), mobile streaming, EPG amongst other key monetization initiatives.

    In his expanded role, Ruparel will continue to report to president-video business T S Panesar.

    Rao joins Hathway from Star India where he was working as assistant vice president-affiliate sales looking after carriage and content for key MSO accounts as part of the broadcasters’ distribution set-up.

    Having experience of over 15 years, Rao has been a part of the media and broadcast industry for more than a decade having worked across both print and electronic media in the areas of affiliate sales with Star TV (content, carriage, trade marketing) and advertising sales with The Times of India (print & special projects). As part of his new role, Rao will be responsible for negotiation and management of all content deals with broadcasters, both for content and carriage.

    Commenting on this restructuring, Hathway Cable & Datacom CEO & MD Jagdish Kumar said, “In the digitization era, content will play an integral role for Hathway in defining and transforming customer experience and with this aim, we are bringing in a change in our content vertical composition. Shirish Ruparel has been one of the key members of the senior management and contributed immensely towards the building of our content team. We are expanding his role to utilize his vast experience and expertise in building wider content revenue streams in segments like OTT and VAS. We are also pleased to have N.M Rao on-board with us to look after content and carriage as we aim to create a strong vertical with multiple revenue streams that will set the business in the new fiscal. With his vast experience in distribution, content and carriage with Star, we are extremely confident that Rao will provide the right boost to our overall objectives and set new benchmarks.”

    In February, Hathway had hired Anand Kamani as vice president- advertising sales to handle its ad-sales business at an all-India level, also reporting into Shirish Ruparel. With the expansion of Ruparel’s role and Rao joining the team to focus on content and carriage, Hathway is looking at an aggressive roadmap to build its content portfolio to increase revenue generation at a time when digitization roll-out is underway in Phase- III and IV and is targeted to complete by end of this year.

    With DTH players also looking to offer additional value added services to its consumers, Hathway as one of the leading multi-system operators is also looking at the next level of customization by offering its subscribers products and solutions which will provide added entertainment and benefits to build better ARPUs.

  • Hathway expands role of Shirish Ruparel; Star India’s NM Rao joins as head content & carriage

    Hathway expands role of Shirish Ruparel; Star India’s NM Rao joins as head content & carriage

    MUMBAI: Hathway is restructuring its content vertical by expanding the role of executive vice president- content & VAS Shirish Ruparel, with the growing demands of the business in a move to strengthen its content team and to diversify its revenue streams.

    While expanding Ruparel’s role, Hathway has also taken on-board N.M. Rao as head-content & carriage to handle all-India content and carriage with effect from 4 April, based at their corporate office in Mumbai, and he will report to Shirish Ruparel.

    Ruparel’s portfolio will now include content and carriage, ad sales, OTT service offerings and value added services as Hathway looks to create new revenue streams in the new digitization era. As part of his expanded role, Ruparel would now oversee content and carriage and Ad sales monetization while also develop Hathways’ in-house channel bouquet into a series of strong pan-India and regional channels and improve the content portfolio for in-house and regional channel base by working with leading production and content providers.

    Additionally, he will also be responsible for increasing the value pie of Hathway across new streams such as OTT (Over-the-top TV) services and offers and diversify the business into segments such as VAS (value-added services) including VOD (video-on demand), mobile streaming, EPG amongst other key monetization initiatives.

    In his expanded role, Ruparel will continue to report to president-video business T S Panesar.

    Rao joins Hathway from Star India where he was working as assistant vice president-affiliate sales looking after carriage and content for key MSO accounts as part of the broadcasters’ distribution set-up.

    Having experience of over 15 years, Rao has been a part of the media and broadcast industry for more than a decade having worked across both print and electronic media in the areas of affiliate sales with Star TV (content, carriage, trade marketing) and advertising sales with The Times of India (print & special projects). As part of his new role, Rao will be responsible for negotiation and management of all content deals with broadcasters, both for content and carriage.

    Commenting on this restructuring, Hathway Cable & Datacom CEO & MD Jagdish Kumar said, “In the digitization era, content will play an integral role for Hathway in defining and transforming customer experience and with this aim, we are bringing in a change in our content vertical composition. Shirish Ruparel has been one of the key members of the senior management and contributed immensely towards the building of our content team. We are expanding his role to utilize his vast experience and expertise in building wider content revenue streams in segments like OTT and VAS. We are also pleased to have N.M Rao on-board with us to look after content and carriage as we aim to create a strong vertical with multiple revenue streams that will set the business in the new fiscal. With his vast experience in distribution, content and carriage with Star, we are extremely confident that Rao will provide the right boost to our overall objectives and set new benchmarks.”

    In February, Hathway had hired Anand Kamani as vice president- advertising sales to handle its ad-sales business at an all-India level, also reporting into Shirish Ruparel. With the expansion of Ruparel’s role and Rao joining the team to focus on content and carriage, Hathway is looking at an aggressive roadmap to build its content portfolio to increase revenue generation at a time when digitization roll-out is underway in Phase- III and IV and is targeted to complete by end of this year.

    With DTH players also looking to offer additional value added services to its consumers, Hathway as one of the leading multi-system operators is also looking at the next level of customization by offering its subscribers products and solutions which will provide added entertainment and benefits to build better ARPUs.

  • TS Panesar: We see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

    TS Panesar: We see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

    With an aim to redefine, transform business dynamics and further strengthen the role of the local cable operator (LCO) in the distribution chain, Hathway has launched a special initiative – Hathway Connect. Launched in Bangalore on 28 January, Hathway Connect is designed to make the lives of LCOs easy and convenient by providing technology and support through a dedicated online portal, which will have detailed features that will allow the LCO to run his business efficiently and effectively, in turn, offering better quality and high standard customer experience. In a tete-a-tete  Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited president-video business  T S Panesar speaks on the launch of its new portal  for LCOs ‘Hathway Connect’ and how it will shape the business in the coming days:

    Q:   What’s the idea behind Hathway Connect?

    TSP:  Digital technology is driving our lives, the whole world is moving towards technology enabled delivery and consumption. The cable TV industry in India is also moving towards complete digitization. Keeping in mind the changed environment, it is important for us to ensure that our entire cable TV distribution chain is technologically oriented and upgraded to keep with the current trends. We want our LCO partners to be empowered and be strengthened with technology to grow further and keep pace with the demands of the consumers.  Overall, the objective is to offer a value proposition to the customers and give them a best-in-class experience.

    Q:  How do you think it’s different and how will it impact the LCOs?

    TSP:  The entire distribution chain in cable still works heavily on a B2B model with almost 90 per cent of the business taking place through the local cable operator. Until now, there has been no real initiative to strengthen the LCOs’ business, provide them with tools to bring a change in operations and improve customer service. Hathway Connect is a breakthrough approach where we are building technology through a dedicated portal to give the LCO a window to compete with the consumer driven DTH business. It’s time that we recognize the role of the LCO in the cable value chain, the country’s geography is vast and it’s through the LCO, that customers get to watch the best entertainment and information on TV. We cannot deny this reality and hence, as a responsible market leader, we have taken the mantle of upgrading and enhancing the LCO as an entity and providing him full access to control his business through technology. We are confident that it will have a positive impact on LCOs and customers as well as prove to be a game changer in the cable industry.

    Q:   What are the key aspects of the Hathway Connect initiative?

    TSP:   More than just a portal, Hathway Connect is a transformational initiativeand a detailed foray into empowering our LCO partners and the business overall through technology. With this dedicated portal, the LCO will have a host of powerful features that will make his life easy and convenient. Some of the key aspects that the portal offers to the LCO are online activation of new customers (E-CAF), package management, account balance management including integration with Bill desk, customer prepaid option, sending customized notifications to subscribers, specialized LCO helpdesk, Self-care through mobile APP amongst many others, which will help them to upgrade operations, create efficient and seamless processes, aid in effective monitoring, improve customer service and build a more robust business down-the-line. Sitting in his office, the LCO can now control his operations with just a click, manage his entire customer base with utmost ease, thus, reducing operational costs. The E-KYC is technology mandate of TRAI and Hathway is the first MSO to comply and launch it to digitally store consumer data. Further, the LCO has the access to handle his customers with all possible data points, tools and incentives and communication which will enhance the standard of services to customers.

    Q:  How do you envision the LCO in the digital regime?

    TSP:  Since the advent of cable TV in India, the LCO has been the driving force in building this industry brick by brick over the past decade and a half. LCOs connect the length and breadth of the country in a way that even DTH cannot match. The LCOs interaction with consumers on a one-to-one level and the personal experience he offers goes a long way back which makes him the heart of our business. Despite several questions raised on the existence of the LCO post digitization regime and his role diminishing forward, he continues to be that vital cog for MSOs in covering the wide geography of the country and would be even more critical in DAS 3 and 4 implementation, which would cover the interiors and heartland of India. The LCO will continue to exist and grow and our endeavour is to support and strengthen them with technology.

    Q:   How are you marketing this new initiative to the LCO fraternity?

    TSP:  We are promoting ‘Hathway Connect’ in a big way across our LCO partners. A dedicated portal has been developed and aesthetically designed in sync with our corporate brand look with enhanced features available for usage. To orient the LCOs, we are doing orientation sessions and welcome initiatives to introduce the programme to them in the most effective manner. In addition, training sessions on the portal and various features are being conducted on one-on-one level. We launched Hathway Connect in Bangalore on 28 January 2016 amidst a gathering of top LCOs and the portal was made Live on 1 February. Going forward, we are planning to roll-out Hathway Connect in the western region on 1 April followed by rest of the regions to make a Pan-India impact.

    Q:   Do you think the LCO is ready for this change?

    TSP:  There is no option but to embrace technology and adopt it in the best possible manner. The environment around us is changing rapidly and becoming competitive. Cable has been in existence since the last decade and half and has pioneered this industry. Today, DTH poses a challenge built mainly on cutting-edge technology and superior customer service, however, cable with its vast geographical strength and connect with the last mile has a big advantage which is still not explore to the fullest. The LCO has to realise his strength and we as pioneers in the business have taken this step to change their mind set, approach and give them the solution to become more competitive.

    Let’s not forget, consumer demands are increasing, they are more informed and smart and technology and quality has to be top notch. If we need to be competitive and grow, change is required. We, at Hathway, have transformed our business significantly over the past couple of years which has taken us ahead of competition. It’s time for our LCO partners to upgrade and change to strengthen themselves.

    Q:  How do you see Cable growth in the coming year and how much of a role will ‘Hathway Connect’ play in this?

    TSP:  As I mentioned earlier, today as one of the leading MSO and broadband company, we reach over 1.2 crore cable subscribers with a digital base of over 96 lakh and 30 lakh broadband homes passed. Our business has evolved manifold and the kind of steps that we have taken in the last one year has clearly taken us notches ahead of competition, be it initiatives for implementing DAS, packaging foray and now Hathway Connect. Cable TV has the potential to grow profitably, provided the industry upgrades with technology to make processes and operations easy and convenient. We have always taken risks and introduced new steps to grow the revenue pie, Hathway Connect is also a big step in that direction.

    Today, the LCO is our biggest asset and if we can transform them, there is a robust business ahead of us and we see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

  • TS Panesar: We see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

    TS Panesar: We see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

    With an aim to redefine, transform business dynamics and further strengthen the role of the local cable operator (LCO) in the distribution chain, Hathway has launched a special initiative – Hathway Connect. Launched in Bangalore on 28 January, Hathway Connect is designed to make the lives of LCOs easy and convenient by providing technology and support through a dedicated online portal, which will have detailed features that will allow the LCO to run his business efficiently and effectively, in turn, offering better quality and high standard customer experience. In a tete-a-tete  Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited president-video business  T S Panesar speaks on the launch of its new portal  for LCOs ‘Hathway Connect’ and how it will shape the business in the coming days:

    Q:   What’s the idea behind Hathway Connect?

    TSP:  Digital technology is driving our lives, the whole world is moving towards technology enabled delivery and consumption. The cable TV industry in India is also moving towards complete digitization. Keeping in mind the changed environment, it is important for us to ensure that our entire cable TV distribution chain is technologically oriented and upgraded to keep with the current trends. We want our LCO partners to be empowered and be strengthened with technology to grow further and keep pace with the demands of the consumers.  Overall, the objective is to offer a value proposition to the customers and give them a best-in-class experience.

    Q:  How do you think it’s different and how will it impact the LCOs?

    TSP:  The entire distribution chain in cable still works heavily on a B2B model with almost 90 per cent of the business taking place through the local cable operator. Until now, there has been no real initiative to strengthen the LCOs’ business, provide them with tools to bring a change in operations and improve customer service. Hathway Connect is a breakthrough approach where we are building technology through a dedicated portal to give the LCO a window to compete with the consumer driven DTH business. It’s time that we recognize the role of the LCO in the cable value chain, the country’s geography is vast and it’s through the LCO, that customers get to watch the best entertainment and information on TV. We cannot deny this reality and hence, as a responsible market leader, we have taken the mantle of upgrading and enhancing the LCO as an entity and providing him full access to control his business through technology. We are confident that it will have a positive impact on LCOs and customers as well as prove to be a game changer in the cable industry.

    Q:   What are the key aspects of the Hathway Connect initiative?

    TSP:   More than just a portal, Hathway Connect is a transformational initiativeand a detailed foray into empowering our LCO partners and the business overall through technology. With this dedicated portal, the LCO will have a host of powerful features that will make his life easy and convenient. Some of the key aspects that the portal offers to the LCO are online activation of new customers (E-CAF), package management, account balance management including integration with Bill desk, customer prepaid option, sending customized notifications to subscribers, specialized LCO helpdesk, Self-care through mobile APP amongst many others, which will help them to upgrade operations, create efficient and seamless processes, aid in effective monitoring, improve customer service and build a more robust business down-the-line. Sitting in his office, the LCO can now control his operations with just a click, manage his entire customer base with utmost ease, thus, reducing operational costs. The E-KYC is technology mandate of TRAI and Hathway is the first MSO to comply and launch it to digitally store consumer data. Further, the LCO has the access to handle his customers with all possible data points, tools and incentives and communication which will enhance the standard of services to customers.

    Q:  How do you envision the LCO in the digital regime?

    TSP:  Since the advent of cable TV in India, the LCO has been the driving force in building this industry brick by brick over the past decade and a half. LCOs connect the length and breadth of the country in a way that even DTH cannot match. The LCOs interaction with consumers on a one-to-one level and the personal experience he offers goes a long way back which makes him the heart of our business. Despite several questions raised on the existence of the LCO post digitization regime and his role diminishing forward, he continues to be that vital cog for MSOs in covering the wide geography of the country and would be even more critical in DAS 3 and 4 implementation, which would cover the interiors and heartland of India. The LCO will continue to exist and grow and our endeavour is to support and strengthen them with technology.

    Q:   How are you marketing this new initiative to the LCO fraternity?

    TSP:  We are promoting ‘Hathway Connect’ in a big way across our LCO partners. A dedicated portal has been developed and aesthetically designed in sync with our corporate brand look with enhanced features available for usage. To orient the LCOs, we are doing orientation sessions and welcome initiatives to introduce the programme to them in the most effective manner. In addition, training sessions on the portal and various features are being conducted on one-on-one level. We launched Hathway Connect in Bangalore on 28 January 2016 amidst a gathering of top LCOs and the portal was made Live on 1 February. Going forward, we are planning to roll-out Hathway Connect in the western region on 1 April followed by rest of the regions to make a Pan-India impact.

    Q:   Do you think the LCO is ready for this change?

    TSP:  There is no option but to embrace technology and adopt it in the best possible manner. The environment around us is changing rapidly and becoming competitive. Cable has been in existence since the last decade and half and has pioneered this industry. Today, DTH poses a challenge built mainly on cutting-edge technology and superior customer service, however, cable with its vast geographical strength and connect with the last mile has a big advantage which is still not explore to the fullest. The LCO has to realise his strength and we as pioneers in the business have taken this step to change their mind set, approach and give them the solution to become more competitive.

    Let’s not forget, consumer demands are increasing, they are more informed and smart and technology and quality has to be top notch. If we need to be competitive and grow, change is required. We, at Hathway, have transformed our business significantly over the past couple of years which has taken us ahead of competition. It’s time for our LCO partners to upgrade and change to strengthen themselves.

    Q:  How do you see Cable growth in the coming year and how much of a role will ‘Hathway Connect’ play in this?

    TSP:  As I mentioned earlier, today as one of the leading MSO and broadband company, we reach over 1.2 crore cable subscribers with a digital base of over 96 lakh and 30 lakh broadband homes passed. Our business has evolved manifold and the kind of steps that we have taken in the last one year has clearly taken us notches ahead of competition, be it initiatives for implementing DAS, packaging foray and now Hathway Connect. Cable TV has the potential to grow profitably, provided the industry upgrades with technology to make processes and operations easy and convenient. We have always taken risks and introduced new steps to grow the revenue pie, Hathway Connect is also a big step in that direction.

    Today, the LCO is our biggest asset and if we can transform them, there is a robust business ahead of us and we see ARPU growing by at least 30 per cent.

  • Hathway Cable and Datacom launches E-KYC

    Hathway Cable and Datacom launches E-KYC

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom announced the launch of electronic KYC that will strengthen the create efficiency in the KYC process as defined and stipulated by TRAI.

    With the launch of electronic KYC, Hathway says that it endorses regulatory compliance with TRAI regarding completion of customer requisition form by the customer in a digitized format. With the electronic KYC, the entire distribution chain including the LCO will be able to easily store millions of forms at a lower operational cost, thus, simplifying Hathway’s daily business and improving customer relationships.

    This digital technology is also aimed at upgrading LCO partners and helping them to align with the current trends and service consumers effectively.  The electronic KYC feature also enables updation of customer details including proof of identity, proof of address and customer’s digital photograph by using an APP, at the same time activating the customer’s set top box in real time basis.

    The detailed process flow includes authenticating customers through their digital signature on a smartphone or via an OTP generated on the registered mobile number which is followed by the CRF being generated. The same will be circulated to the customer in person and also stored digitally, which can be easily accessed by the LCO as well.

    This environment-friendly initiative eliminates the need to print large number of paper forms in a fast growing digital world, thus, proving time-consuming and effective measure keeping in mind the ever increasing digital cable subscriber universe.Recently, Hathway launched a breakthrough initiative with an LCO portal Hathway Connect that aims to redefine and transform business dynamics and  further strengthen the role of the LCO in the distribution chain.

    Commenting on the E-KYC initiative,Hathway  video business president TS Panesar said, “Over the past year, Hathway has taken some defining steps in transforming the way the cable industry operates and with the launch of the E-KYC process, we truly comply with TRAI’s directive in easing out customer experience which will prove to be an important stepping-stone. It also coincides with ‘Hathway Connect’-our online portal for LCOs, which will overall help our LCO partners and  make their business operations more convenient. By upgrading the LCOs with E-KYC, our endeavour is to give our consumers, a world class and seamless experience from the word go.”

  • Hathway Cable and Datacom launches E-KYC

    Hathway Cable and Datacom launches E-KYC

    MUMBAI: Hathway Cable and Datacom announced the launch of electronic KYC that will strengthen the create efficiency in the KYC process as defined and stipulated by TRAI.

    With the launch of electronic KYC, Hathway says that it endorses regulatory compliance with TRAI regarding completion of customer requisition form by the customer in a digitized format. With the electronic KYC, the entire distribution chain including the LCO will be able to easily store millions of forms at a lower operational cost, thus, simplifying Hathway’s daily business and improving customer relationships.

    This digital technology is also aimed at upgrading LCO partners and helping them to align with the current trends and service consumers effectively.  The electronic KYC feature also enables updation of customer details including proof of identity, proof of address and customer’s digital photograph by using an APP, at the same time activating the customer’s set top box in real time basis.

    The detailed process flow includes authenticating customers through their digital signature on a smartphone or via an OTP generated on the registered mobile number which is followed by the CRF being generated. The same will be circulated to the customer in person and also stored digitally, which can be easily accessed by the LCO as well.

    This environment-friendly initiative eliminates the need to print large number of paper forms in a fast growing digital world, thus, proving time-consuming and effective measure keeping in mind the ever increasing digital cable subscriber universe.Recently, Hathway launched a breakthrough initiative with an LCO portal Hathway Connect that aims to redefine and transform business dynamics and  further strengthen the role of the LCO in the distribution chain.

    Commenting on the E-KYC initiative,Hathway  video business president TS Panesar said, “Over the past year, Hathway has taken some defining steps in transforming the way the cable industry operates and with the launch of the E-KYC process, we truly comply with TRAI’s directive in easing out customer experience which will prove to be an important stepping-stone. It also coincides with ‘Hathway Connect’-our online portal for LCOs, which will overall help our LCO partners and  make their business operations more convenient. By upgrading the LCOs with E-KYC, our endeavour is to give our consumers, a world class and seamless experience from the word go.”

  • November 2015: ACT, Airtel lead subscriber additions for wireline broadband in India

    November 2015: ACT, Airtel lead subscriber additions for wireline broadband in India

    BENGALURU: Until 30 October, 2015 (Oct-15), ACT Broadband was leading in wireline broadband internet subscriber additions in India. November 2015 numbers released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) indicate that as on 30 November, 2015 (Nov-15), both ACT and Bharti Airtel have added 2.3 lakh subscribers (subject to a granularity of 10,000) each in the period between 31 December, 2014, hence 1 January, 2015 (Dec-14,) and Nov-15. In terms of wireline internet subscription numbers, Airtel had 16.4 lakh subscribers as on Nov-15, almost double the 8.4 lakh subscribers that ACT Broadband had.

    The top five players in India in the wireline broadband internet space in pecking order are the public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel), public sector Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), Atria Convergence Technologies Private Limited (ACT, ACT Broadband) and You Broadband (You BB). Among these five, only BSNL and Airtel can be termed national players at present. BSNL, Airtel and MTNL also provide wireline and mobile services while Airtel also has a direct to home (DTH) segment. ACT started off as an MSO with operations concentrated in a few major cities and towns located mainly in South India. It started internet services (ACT Broadband) a little later and has grown its broadband internet subscriber base over time, to the extent that it is quite likely the biggest private wireline broadband player in South India. You BB offers broadband operations in a few cities in Maharashtra, Gujarat the NCR region Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 

    Overall, November 2015 saw 140,000 wireline subscriber additions, of which 30,000 were added by Airtel and 20,000 by ACT; 10,000 by You Broadband, while the public sector behemoth BSNL saw a decline of 10,000 subscribers. MTNL did not have any new additions, taking the contribution of the top five wireline broadband players to 50,000 (or 35.57 per cent of overall additions) during Nov-15.

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
    (2) TRAI reports indicate data in millions of numbers up to 2 decimal places. Hence it is assumed in this report that a figure of 0.47 million (4.7 lakh) subscribers for You BB for July-2015 would be granular to the nearest 10,000. While percentages perforce have been mentioned up to two decimal places, the accuracy may vary, depending upon the exact number.
    (3) Industry sources say that TRAI numbers in the case of ACT for May-2015 are incorrect at 0.66 million and the correct number would be 0.693 million. This report considers the number as 6.93 lakh or 0.693 million.
    (4) MSOs have a number of subsidiaries and alliances, hence broadband numbers are split as applicable. The consolidated subscription numbers of these entities could be larger. Hathway is a case in point.
    (5) Ortel’s numbers for Q3-2015 have been estimated from the numbers released by it for Q1-2015, Q2-2015, Q4-2015 and FY-2015.
    (6) The term ‘operating revenue’ in this report indicates ‘total income from operations.’

    Please refer to Fig 1 below. 

    Over an 11 month period, the subscriber numbers share of the top five wired broadband players in the country has reduced from 88.45 per cent from Dec-14 to 85.56 per cent as on Nov-15. During the same period All India wireline internet subscriber base has grown 7.11 per cent from 153.2 lakh to 164.1 lakh.

    The average all India subscriber growth rate per month for the period 1 January, 2015 to 30 November, 2015 was 0.62 per cent. During the period Dec-14 to May-15, the maximum growth was 0.46 per cent in Feb-15 with 70,000 net new broadband connections. Apr-15 saw nil growth rate and witnessed a decline in growth rate of 0.07 per cent in subscribers in the case of the top five wireline players in India. The average subscriber growth rate in the first five month period of the previous year was 0.31 per cent per month. The average subscriber growth during the next six month period including June-15 until Nov-15 was 0.89 per cent, with the highest in Aug-15 at 1.01 per cent. Please refer to Fig 1A below. Overall, the all India subscriber base has been growing at a faster pace than growth rate of the subscriber base of the top five wireline internet service providers in India.

    Fig 2 below indicates the subscriber details of the top five wired broadband internet service providers. While ACT has shown the highest growth during the period in this report, BSNL has had the steepest fall in subscription numbers during the first 11 month period of calendar year 2015. ACT’s share of All India wireline broadband internet subscribers has increased from 3.98 per cent at the start of the year to 5.12 per cent until Nov-15, while BSNL’s share has declined from 65.14 per cent in Dec-14 to 60.51 per cent in Nov-15. By its very stagnancy, MTNL’s share of All India wireline broadband internet subscribers has reduced from 7.38 per cent to 6.89 per cent during the same period. Airtel’s share has increased from 9.20 per cent to 9.99 per cent, while You BB’s share has increased from 2.74 per cent to 3.05 per cent during the same period.

    As is obvious from Fig 1A above, the share of new subscriber additions by the top five players has been reducing. MSOs in India have started providing internet services on the back of their cable networks using Docsis technology. In general, they have started reporting double digit YoY increase in internet subscribers and revenue. Three of the major MSOs and a regional MSO, whose results are available in the public domain for the quarter ended 31 December, 2016 (Q3-2016 current quarter) have been showing steady growth in their broadband segment over the past few quarters.

    In this report, let us look at how these television cable industry players have performed in the broadband space in Q3-2016. The four are: Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited (Hathway), Den Networks Ltd (Den), Siti Cable Network Limited (Siti Cable), and the regional player Ortel Communications Limited (Ortel).

    Hathway’s consolidated broadband subscribers increased by 50,000 or 9.31 per cent more QoQ, in Q3-2015 to 5.67 lakh. Hathway’s Broadband subscription revenue in Q3-2016 increased 53.4 per cent YoY to Rs 78.7 crore as compared to Rs 57.7 crore and increased 9.5 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 57.7 crore. Hathway’s broadband standalone ARPUs increased 3.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 658 to Rs 683.

    Siti Cable Broadband revenue in the current quarter almost doubled (grew 99 per cent) at Rs 13.9 crore (3.8 per cent of OPREV) as compared to Rs 7 crore (3.2 per cent of OPREV) in Q3-2015 and increased 49.5 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 9.3 crore (four per cent of OPREV). Broadband subscribers in the current quarter increased 17 per cent to 1,07,000 from 91,450 in Q2-2016.

    Den has also ramped up its broadband subscribers by 33.3 per cent to 76,000 in the current quarter from 57,000 in the immediate trailing quarter. The company’s broadband segment revenue increased by over five times YoY (5.5 times) at Rs 11.96 crore (3.4 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 2.17 crore (0.8 per cent of TIO) in corresponding prior year quarter and increased 58 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 8.23 crore (three per cent of TIO). The segment’s YoY operating loss increased to Rs 19.57 crore as compared to Rs 12.37 crore, but reduced QoQ as compared to Rs 23.07 crore. The company says that broadband ARPU has declined by Rs 10 in the current quarter to Rs 760 from Rs 770 in the previous quarter.

    Den’s Broadband Post Activation EBIDTA in Q3-2016 was negative Rs 16 crore as compared to the negative Rs 11 crore in Q3-2015 and negative Rs 20 crore in Q2-2016.

    Ortel’s broadband segment reported 16.3 per cent higher revenue at Rs 8.28 crore as compared to Rs 7.12 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter and 1.7 per cent more than the Rs 8.14 crore in Q2-2016. The broadband segment reported an operating profit of Rs 4.78 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 4.52 crore in Q3-2015 and 9.1 per cent higher than the Rs 438 crore in Q2-2016.

    Ortel’s broadband customers in the current quarter grew 16.2 per cent YoY to 67,709 as compared to 58,277 and grew 6.4 per cent QoQ as compared to 63,663. Broadband ARPU in Q3-2016 was higher at Rs 396, in Q3-2015 it was Rs 394 and in Rs Q2-2016 it was Rs 395.

  • November 2015: ACT, Airtel lead subscriber additions for wireline broadband in India

    November 2015: ACT, Airtel lead subscriber additions for wireline broadband in India

    BENGALURU: Until 30 October, 2015 (Oct-15), ACT Broadband was leading in wireline broadband internet subscriber additions in India. November 2015 numbers released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) indicate that as on 30 November, 2015 (Nov-15), both ACT and Bharti Airtel have added 2.3 lakh subscribers (subject to a granularity of 10,000) each in the period between 31 December, 2014, hence 1 January, 2015 (Dec-14,) and Nov-15. In terms of wireline internet subscription numbers, Airtel had 16.4 lakh subscribers as on Nov-15, almost double the 8.4 lakh subscribers that ACT Broadband had.

    The top five players in India in the wireline broadband internet space in pecking order are the public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Bharti Airtel Limited (Airtel), public sector Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), Atria Convergence Technologies Private Limited (ACT, ACT Broadband) and You Broadband (You BB). Among these five, only BSNL and Airtel can be termed national players at present. BSNL, Airtel and MTNL also provide wireline and mobile services while Airtel also has a direct to home (DTH) segment. ACT started off as an MSO with operations concentrated in a few major cities and towns located mainly in South India. It started internet services (ACT Broadband) a little later and has grown its broadband internet subscriber base over time, to the extent that it is quite likely the biggest private wireline broadband player in South India. You BB offers broadband operations in a few cities in Maharashtra, Gujarat the NCR region Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 

    Overall, November 2015 saw 140,000 wireline subscriber additions, of which 30,000 were added by Airtel and 20,000 by ACT; 10,000 by You Broadband, while the public sector behemoth BSNL saw a decline of 10,000 subscribers. MTNL did not have any new additions, taking the contribution of the top five wireline broadband players to 50,000 (or 35.57 per cent of overall additions) during Nov-15.

    Note: (1) 100,00,000 = 100 Lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
    (2) TRAI reports indicate data in millions of numbers up to 2 decimal places. Hence it is assumed in this report that a figure of 0.47 million (4.7 lakh) subscribers for You BB for July-2015 would be granular to the nearest 10,000. While percentages perforce have been mentioned up to two decimal places, the accuracy may vary, depending upon the exact number.
    (3) Industry sources say that TRAI numbers in the case of ACT for May-2015 are incorrect at 0.66 million and the correct number would be 0.693 million. This report considers the number as 6.93 lakh or 0.693 million.
    (4) MSOs have a number of subsidiaries and alliances, hence broadband numbers are split as applicable. The consolidated subscription numbers of these entities could be larger. Hathway is a case in point.
    (5) Ortel’s numbers for Q3-2015 have been estimated from the numbers released by it for Q1-2015, Q2-2015, Q4-2015 and FY-2015.
    (6) The term ‘operating revenue’ in this report indicates ‘total income from operations.’

    Please refer to Fig 1 below. 

    Over an 11 month period, the subscriber numbers share of the top five wired broadband players in the country has reduced from 88.45 per cent from Dec-14 to 85.56 per cent as on Nov-15. During the same period All India wireline internet subscriber base has grown 7.11 per cent from 153.2 lakh to 164.1 lakh.

    The average all India subscriber growth rate per month for the period 1 January, 2015 to 30 November, 2015 was 0.62 per cent. During the period Dec-14 to May-15, the maximum growth was 0.46 per cent in Feb-15 with 70,000 net new broadband connections. Apr-15 saw nil growth rate and witnessed a decline in growth rate of 0.07 per cent in subscribers in the case of the top five wireline players in India. The average subscriber growth rate in the first five month period of the previous year was 0.31 per cent per month. The average subscriber growth during the next six month period including June-15 until Nov-15 was 0.89 per cent, with the highest in Aug-15 at 1.01 per cent. Please refer to Fig 1A below. Overall, the all India subscriber base has been growing at a faster pace than growth rate of the subscriber base of the top five wireline internet service providers in India.

    Fig 2 below indicates the subscriber details of the top five wired broadband internet service providers. While ACT has shown the highest growth during the period in this report, BSNL has had the steepest fall in subscription numbers during the first 11 month period of calendar year 2015. ACT’s share of All India wireline broadband internet subscribers has increased from 3.98 per cent at the start of the year to 5.12 per cent until Nov-15, while BSNL’s share has declined from 65.14 per cent in Dec-14 to 60.51 per cent in Nov-15. By its very stagnancy, MTNL’s share of All India wireline broadband internet subscribers has reduced from 7.38 per cent to 6.89 per cent during the same period. Airtel’s share has increased from 9.20 per cent to 9.99 per cent, while You BB’s share has increased from 2.74 per cent to 3.05 per cent during the same period.

    As is obvious from Fig 1A above, the share of new subscriber additions by the top five players has been reducing. MSOs in India have started providing internet services on the back of their cable networks using Docsis technology. In general, they have started reporting double digit YoY increase in internet subscribers and revenue. Three of the major MSOs and a regional MSO, whose results are available in the public domain for the quarter ended 31 December, 2016 (Q3-2016 current quarter) have been showing steady growth in their broadband segment over the past few quarters.

    In this report, let us look at how these television cable industry players have performed in the broadband space in Q3-2016. The four are: Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited (Hathway), Den Networks Ltd (Den), Siti Cable Network Limited (Siti Cable), and the regional player Ortel Communications Limited (Ortel).

    Hathway’s consolidated broadband subscribers increased by 50,000 or 9.31 per cent more QoQ, in Q3-2015 to 5.67 lakh. Hathway’s Broadband subscription revenue in Q3-2016 increased 53.4 per cent YoY to Rs 78.7 crore as compared to Rs 57.7 crore and increased 9.5 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 57.7 crore. Hathway’s broadband standalone ARPUs increased 3.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 658 to Rs 683.

    Siti Cable Broadband revenue in the current quarter almost doubled (grew 99 per cent) at Rs 13.9 crore (3.8 per cent of OPREV) as compared to Rs 7 crore (3.2 per cent of OPREV) in Q3-2015 and increased 49.5 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 9.3 crore (four per cent of OPREV). Broadband subscribers in the current quarter increased 17 per cent to 1,07,000 from 91,450 in Q2-2016.

    Den has also ramped up its broadband subscribers by 33.3 per cent to 76,000 in the current quarter from 57,000 in the immediate trailing quarter. The company’s broadband segment revenue increased by over five times YoY (5.5 times) at Rs 11.96 crore (3.4 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 2.17 crore (0.8 per cent of TIO) in corresponding prior year quarter and increased 58 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 8.23 crore (three per cent of TIO). The segment’s YoY operating loss increased to Rs 19.57 crore as compared to Rs 12.37 crore, but reduced QoQ as compared to Rs 23.07 crore. The company says that broadband ARPU has declined by Rs 10 in the current quarter to Rs 760 from Rs 770 in the previous quarter.

    Den’s Broadband Post Activation EBIDTA in Q3-2016 was negative Rs 16 crore as compared to the negative Rs 11 crore in Q3-2015 and negative Rs 20 crore in Q2-2016.

    Ortel’s broadband segment reported 16.3 per cent higher revenue at Rs 8.28 crore as compared to Rs 7.12 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter and 1.7 per cent more than the Rs 8.14 crore in Q2-2016. The broadband segment reported an operating profit of Rs 4.78 crore in the current quarter as compared to Rs 4.52 crore in Q3-2015 and 9.1 per cent higher than the Rs 438 crore in Q2-2016.

    Ortel’s broadband customers in the current quarter grew 16.2 per cent YoY to 67,709 as compared to 58,277 and grew 6.4 per cent QoQ as compared to 63,663. Broadband ARPU in Q3-2016 was higher at Rs 396, in Q3-2015 it was Rs 394 and in Rs Q2-2016 it was Rs 395.

  • Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    NEW DELHI: The number of private satellite television channels in the country registered with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry fell by seven in the quarter ending September 2015 from 826 in quarter ending June to 819.

    However, the maximum number of pay channels carried by certain cable operators in non-conditional addressable system (CAS) rose from 214 to 233 in the same period. The maximum number of Free-to-Air (FTA) TV channels carried by certain cable operators in non-CAS areas in the period rose from 179 to 197. 

    The data is based on reports received by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from broadcasters and multi system operators (MSOs).

    In areas served by non-addressable systems, the maximum number of TV channels carried in digital form as reported by cable operator – Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited – amongst those who have reported is 458. 

    The maximum number of TV channels carried in analogue form as reported by – Ortel Communications Limited – amongst those who have reported is 100. 

    In these areas, the maximum number of FTA channels carried, as reported by Hathway Cable & Datacom amongst those who have reported is 197. 

    The maximum number of pay channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 233. The maximum number of local channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 28.

    As on 30 September, 2015, there were a total of 226 MSOs who had been granted Permanent Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry apart from 173 MSOs who had been granted Provisional Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry of I&B for providing Cable TV services through Digital Addressable Systems (DAS).

    There had been a total of 252 pay channels as reported by broadcasters as on 30 June. During the quarter ending September 2015, three new pay channels – Colors Infinity HD, Colors Infinity, and Zee Café HD – were launched. During the quarter, one channel – The MGM was temporarily suspended. 

    During the quarter, the transmission mode of two channels – VH1 and Comedy Central – was changed from SD to HD. The total had risen to 254 pay TV channels by September end. 

    TRAI in its quarterly report said that apart from the free DTH service of Doordarshan Freedish, there are six private DTH operators. The total number of registered subscribers and active subscribers being served by these six private DTH operators were 81.47 million and 41.05 million respectively as on 30 September, 2015. 

    The Ministry had permitted a total of 90 Teleports by September end.

  • Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    Hathway leads in digital pay & local channels; Ortel leads in analogue: TRAI

    NEW DELHI: The number of private satellite television channels in the country registered with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry fell by seven in the quarter ending September 2015 from 826 in quarter ending June to 819.

    However, the maximum number of pay channels carried by certain cable operators in non-conditional addressable system (CAS) rose from 214 to 233 in the same period. The maximum number of Free-to-Air (FTA) TV channels carried by certain cable operators in non-CAS areas in the period rose from 179 to 197. 

    The data is based on reports received by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from broadcasters and multi system operators (MSOs).

    In areas served by non-addressable systems, the maximum number of TV channels carried in digital form as reported by cable operator – Hathway Cable & Datacom Limited – amongst those who have reported is 458. 

    The maximum number of TV channels carried in analogue form as reported by – Ortel Communications Limited – amongst those who have reported is 100. 

    In these areas, the maximum number of FTA channels carried, as reported by Hathway Cable & Datacom amongst those who have reported is 197. 

    The maximum number of pay channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 233. The maximum number of local channels carried as reported by a cable operator (Hathway Cable & Datacom) amongst those who have reported is 28.

    As on 30 September, 2015, there were a total of 226 MSOs who had been granted Permanent Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry apart from 173 MSOs who had been granted Provisional Registration (for 10 years) by the Ministry of I&B for providing Cable TV services through Digital Addressable Systems (DAS).

    There had been a total of 252 pay channels as reported by broadcasters as on 30 June. During the quarter ending September 2015, three new pay channels – Colors Infinity HD, Colors Infinity, and Zee Café HD – were launched. During the quarter, one channel – The MGM was temporarily suspended. 

    During the quarter, the transmission mode of two channels – VH1 and Comedy Central – was changed from SD to HD. The total had risen to 254 pay TV channels by September end. 

    TRAI in its quarterly report said that apart from the free DTH service of Doordarshan Freedish, there are six private DTH operators. The total number of registered subscribers and active subscribers being served by these six private DTH operators were 81.47 million and 41.05 million respectively as on 30 September, 2015. 

    The Ministry had permitted a total of 90 Teleports by September end.